A few weeks ago I visited Bob Jones
University in South Carolina to address its
students and outline the reasons I am seeking
the presidency. Some have taken and
mistaken this visit as a sign that I
approve of the anti-Catholic and racially
divisive views associated with that school.
As you know from a long friendship with my
family and our own meeting last year this
criticism is unfair and unfounded. Such opinions
are personally offensive to me, and I want
to erase any doubts about my views and values.

As a public official, I take seriously my
duty to encourage tolerance and respect for
the religious views of others. As a
Christian, I see Catholics as my brothers and
sisters in Christ sharing the same ancient
creed and core beliefs. And, as you know, my own
brother and sister-in-law are both
Catholics.

Criticism should be expected in any political
campaign. What no American should
expect and what I will not tolerate is
guilt by association. I reject racial
segregation in our laws, in our hearts and
our lives. And I reject religious intolerance
because faith is defined by grace and hope,
not fear and division.

In my speech to the students, I emphasized
that I am a uniter not a divider and that
Americans can work together for the good of
all. On reflection, I should have been more
clear in disassociating myself from
anti-Catholic sentiments and racial prejudice.
It was a missed opportunity, causing
needless offense, which I deeply regret.

I have profound respect for the Catholic
church a sympathy beyond mere tolerance. I
have argued that our prosperous society
must offer answers for the poor and, on this
issue, the Catholic Church helps shape our
country's conscience. I have proposed a broader
role for churches and charities in
providing social services and the Catholic
Church has always led our nation in acts of
justice and charity. In this campaign I am
offering an approach that is morally
grounded and socially inclusive. I hope and
intend that anyone closely examining
my agenda will see reflections of a much
greater tradition a tradition of social justice
defended and represented by the Catholic
Church.

This is why I am offended by any suggestion
that I tolerate anti-Catholic bigotry and
resent any attempt to create that
impression.

I hope that you, and all Catholics, will
accept this assurance of my good faith.